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Title: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 03:24:23 PM

So my daughter and I are sitting at Walmart in rose dale Cali where we were told we could overnight no problem. We stepped out of rv to check something and a business card was laying on the ground. Since I hate litter I picked it up and it was a business card from property manager stating on back "no overnight parking per city ordinance, thx bob". No knock or anything. We are lucky to have found card.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: ironrat on December 05, 2012, 03:30:31 PM

So who told you it was ok to stay there then?

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 03:32:23 PM

Walmart and SAMs management. Really don't want to upset anyone so after we are done today with everything we will go. Just thought if you really wanted to get us the message maybe knock?

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: ironrat on December 05, 2012, 03:40:10 PM

What am I missing here?

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 03:44:04 PM

Not sure, I read up on a website that says from one minute to the next they change their mind. I'm sure property mgmt just is not talking to Walmart mgmt.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: JCZ on December 05, 2012, 03:51:44 PM

Being a Wal Mart, I'm sure that you weren't the first. Maybe they didn't knock because they were trying to be courteous.....just letting you know not to stay a second night.

So you're between Hwy. 99 and I-5, down by Bakersfield?

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 03:54:23 PM

No signs at all posted, I am known to read signs more since getting the rig. Thank God I picked up the trash he left or I might have landed a ticket. Just letting everyone know that this Walmart is kinda a grey area.

That being said the people in the stores here are very nice.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: ironrat on December 05, 2012, 03:55:32 PM

If I got this right, you didn't ask to stay at this particular Walmart or go inside and inform them you were there? I is or should be common knowledge that not all Walmarts can allow over night parking. You should always regardless of any internet listings go inside and ask to stay because of these different regulations and just common courtesy as it is their business and not our right to stay!

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 03:58:19 PM

I did go in to both stores as I was shopping and the mgmt for both stores said we were welcome, however, I am seeing this was not their decision to make.

But yes, I know to go talk to mgmt and do so each time I choose to parking lot it for the night.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: SunriseSunset on December 05, 2012, 04:19:36 PM

I guess my questions is: Who has the upper authority, WM or property management? I would go back into WM and ask.

Fran

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Paul & Ann on December 05, 2012, 04:20:49 PM

So my daughter and I are sitting at Walmart in rose dale Cali where we were told we could overnight no problem. We stepped out of rv to check something and a business card was laying on the ground. Since I hate litter I picked it up and it was a business card from property manager stating on back "no overnight parking per city ordinance, thx bob". No knock or anything. We are lucky to have found card.

On the business card,what property did it say he managed?

Paul

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: SunriseSunset on December 05, 2012, 04:23:53 PM

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 04:30:50 PM

It does not state which one only that we are not allowed.

I am not trying to upset the apple cart so we will just vacate in a couple of hours. My daughter is in Walmart right now purchasing some items, we ate breakfast at McDonald's and another restaurant here in the lot. I just disagree with litter....l.lol

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Paul & Ann on December 05, 2012, 04:33:03 PM

I believe I would take the card into the Walmart, and ask the manager about it. Sounds to me like it was just some person who didnt want you to stay there.

Paul

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 04:34:59 PM

Yeah, unfortunately the property mgmt overrides Walmart. In every case we have found its not Walmart but the landlord. I get mad too easy at crap like this so I'll just be moving along......whole purpose anyway huh?

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Paul & Ann on December 05, 2012, 04:43:03 PM

You give up easier than I would. :) I would have a little fun by taking the business card to the Walmart manager before I left town.

Paul

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 04:47:54 PM

No it's called anger management, I win because I refuse to let them upset me. Lol

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: ironrat on December 05, 2012, 04:55:37 PM

How long were you trying to stay there? You say you had breakfast and lunch there already. I don't think we are hearing the full story here of your expections,

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 04:58:10 PM

We stayed here last night.......we planned on leaving here when we got done shopping today.

Unrealistic goal? I'm new but feel I did my part. I've been wrong before.

Is there a fuller story out there? Lol

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Mr Bojangles on December 05, 2012, 05:17:30 PM

Business card can not be considered a "LEGAL" document, not if it's ON GROUND and not been handed to you.

Further, if management at stores says they have no problem, and no signs saying differently, then you can stay OVERNIGHT. But, I would move my "Rig" to another spot in parking lot, and leave tomorrow for sure. Some (and I) believe two nights at one Walmart store is over doing it.

See ya on down the road.....

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 05:20:40 PM

I would not try two nights. I like rv parks too much lol.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Paul & Ann on December 05, 2012, 05:22:00 PM

We stayed here last night.......we planned on leaving here when we got done shopping today.

Unrealistic goal? I'm new but feel I did my part. I've been wrong before.

Is there a fuller story out there? Lol

I guess I didnt realize you had stayed there the night before. That does make a difference.

Paul

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: JCZ on December 05, 2012, 05:52:51 PM

I don't think it's a matter of who has the authority, the property management or WM mngmt. If it's a matter of a city ordinance as he wrote on the business card then it was just a courtesy notice and the local police or code enforcement have the "authority". And for code enforcement to come out, it usually has to be reported by somebody and called in.

It looks like the property management was just providing a courtesy notice and if that's the case, it was nice of them.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: ironrat on December 05, 2012, 06:03:45 PM

Well for the most part I think this is a dead thread. But I will make another point here. This person was in the parking lot sometime yesterday and spent the night last night, they are still there for breakfast and lunch by thier own words and beyond. Seems to show intent to stay longer regardless of the intent. They then in talking in this thread start complaining about management and garbage on the grounds (the business card!) The more they wrote the more out of line it seemed they were. Any allowed stay over at a Walmart is only intended to be for a safety few winks and then move on, not to stay days for free as this appears to be done. MHO

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: SeilerBird on December 05, 2012, 06:51:31 PM

Any allowed stay over at a Walmart is only intended to be for a safety few winks and then move on, not to stay days for free as this appears to be done.

Why? If Walmart doesn't care then why should you care how long someone stays in a Walmart parking lot?

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 08:32:05 PM

I'm too nice to hurt anyone's feelings being knew and a dumb ol girl but I think obviously from my loads of reading that this is in fact not a dead topic. Btw, we are off property and spoke with an officer that said he saw nothing wrong since Walmart said ok. Let's pretend he's new like me and didn't know better, he still hates litter.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Wendy on December 05, 2012, 08:37:44 PM

If Walmart said it's ok, then I'd figure it's ok and ignore some random business card dropped on the ground near my coach. If Walmart said 'get out' then I'd get out. Who knows where that business card came from?

Wendy

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 09:27:18 PM

Wendy-

Honestly I did for a moment think since it only applied to me if I said so.......however, my new self on the road is learning to pick my battles. Being new to the rv world just thought I would mention the incident if you will.

Thanks for nt attempting to make me feel 2 inches high.

Trust me if I really wanted to win that battle I would have broke out the mental dukes...lol

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: PancakeBill on December 05, 2012, 09:55:25 PM

What the heck, I'll kick the dead horse myself. I would guess it was not litter. It was likely left on your coach and fell off. However, if it was litter, it was likely put on another coach and fell off or was tossed making it litter.

If you were leaving that day anyway, I don't see there being any real issue.

I don't care for a WalMart, but will stay in one if need arises. Probably in the past 12 years only maybe 1/2 dozen nights? 2 were horrible, others OK.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 05, 2012, 10:18:22 PM

Thanks for the help y'all! I'm in an rv park for maybe three days before I head out again.

Would I do anything different? Nah

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: JCZ on December 06, 2012, 07:38:17 AM

Thanks for the help y'all! I'm in an rv park for maybe three days before I head out again.

Would I do anything different? Nah

You go girl! ;)

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Gary RV_Wizard on December 06, 2012, 11:18:29 AM

I just checked overnightrvparking.com, a subscription site that has verified status of Walmart parking. Is this the Walmart # 2557 at 8400 Rosedale Hwy in Bakersfield (closest Walmart to Rosedale itself)? If so, permission overnight parking was confirmed as recently as 11/12/2012. But if it's the one 5075 Gosford Rd, then Walmart does NOT own the property and overnight stays are prohibited by the property owner/management.

Personally, I would not give much credibility to somebody's business card lying on the ground, but would have taken it to the Walmart Customer Service desk and asked them to confirm or deny.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 06, 2012, 12:28:41 PM

It was 5075. Prohibited by management does not a city code make. Right?

Been wrong before. Thanks for the updated info. I will obviously run into issues again and will need you great people to keep those cards and letters coming! Lol

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: JCZ on December 06, 2012, 12:50:07 PM

No two people tear paper the same. We all do things differently, handle situations differently. Hopefully we do the best we can and learn from our mistakes. In this case, I'm skeptical there was any wrong so what will be, will be.

Now if you're a knucklehead like me......you may have to experience the lesson a few times before you learn from it. :P

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: jje1960 on December 06, 2012, 04:54:20 PM

We stop at a few Walmart parking lot's while traveling, have never thought more than an over night is appropriate... It's not a campground. Pull in during evening, go shop, sleep, wake up, leave.... To spend anymore than that is strange, unless you have some weird view of entitlement to others property, it's not public, it's someones business. Like others, just an opinion.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: singlemom7 on December 06, 2012, 11:40:32 PM

Regarding the earlier post about there being two different walmarts here. I am staying just two lights from the other "permissive" walmart and um YOWZER!! Some of you guys would be a gasp to see that place. Might as well start an RV park there, they look like they have by design planned to house what currently is about 12 large RV's. Jacks down, slides out and been going on all day. I will admit I dont keep abreast of the Rallies an what not but maybe there is some sort of RV rally here in town.

I learn somethin' new every single day.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: 1275gtsport on December 07, 2012, 10:22:01 AM

I must be the only paranoid one in the crowd. to me the card was a warning to LOOK for danger, as in someone casing the RV to do wrong. let me put it this way, lets say I am a bad guy looking to steal stuff from cars/rv's in a parking lot. what would I do but stick a flyer or business card on the windshield or door then go sit somewhere and see how long it takes until it gets removed, if card is still there on day too, then it is unattended and I should have no troubles getting in getting stuff and getting out.

I would have either "pulled up stakes" right away or taken the card into Walmart to make sure it was a true business card. not some sort of "timer" for the bad guys.

Just my thoughts anyway, I have no experience staying at a Walmart and don't really plan on doing so. I have slept for a couple of hours on an exit ramp behind a transport truck when just too tired to go any further. but that was over 20 years ago.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Gary RV_Wizard on December 07, 2012, 10:23:26 AM

Quote

It was 5075. Prohibited by management does not a city code make. Right?

Right. Though there may well be a city code that could apply to public parking areas as well. Often it is a matter of interpretation - or the property manager using compliance with the spirit of the city regs as a crutch.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: skyking1 on December 07, 2012, 12:48:21 PM

No it's called anger management, I win because I refuse to let them upset me. Lol

You did win right there. :D

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Gottasmilealot on December 07, 2012, 01:22:20 PM

The manager could have just been doing his job and letting you know nicely so you might avoid issues with the local municipality. Walmart might not care at all that you are there, but they know that the municipality might and they don't want their customers in trouble.

I'd take the card in and ask for the person whose name is on the card and thank them for the heads up, or to just find out if it was not them.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Michael Holden on January 08, 2013, 09:10:44 AM

...my take on this is different, she and her daughter were INSIDE the RV when the card was placed! (Remember, she stepped outside and saw it on the ground.) Obviously (to me) the person placing the card was not really all that invested in having them leave - but perhaps merely "doing their job". Otherwise she/he would have knocked. Sounds fairly benign.

The other side of the coin though as I see it is something that hasn't been discussed fully... and I'm not pointing fingers or trying to make anyone feel bad, but I feel that what Wally's policy actually is needs greater understanding by all. That said, I admit I've never read it, so this is MY understanding of Walmart's policy gleaned from a variety of sources and experiences.

Camping is not allowed. Overnight parking is. ...and as mentioned above, it's a safety stop - take a break, get some sleep, perhaps do some shopping, and be on your way. Overnight parking is not: arrive at 6pm, jacks down, slides out, generator on, make dinner, watch TV, go to bed, wake up and leave at 8am!Overnight parking is not: arrive at 8am, unhook the toad, go visit friends all day at their home nearby!

It's a small gift that a really big corporation has offered to all, when someone offers you a free beer - don't take two.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Mr Bojangles on January 09, 2013, 02:52:52 AM

Michael Holden:Sounds exactly what my understand is.....

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: parmm on January 27, 2013, 11:50:38 PM

When parking overnight at Walmart (or anywhere else) I always request to speak to a member of management in the store and ask if I can park over night. If granted that permission, I get their name, plus I also ask if there is any particular place they want me to park. Each store seems to have a different place. Some way out front and some on the side toward the rear of the store.

And here is a useful tool for Walmart parking: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/walmartrving/ (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/walmartrving/), the original Walmart RVing group that maintains the Walmart Parking List.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Gendo on March 01, 2013, 09:28:53 AM

As a Landlord of property, I would not have approached the RV. The legal responsibility is with "Walmart" and not with the RV. Regardless of the Local ordinance or conditions set forth in the lease agreement it the responsibilty of the Walmart management to assure those legal issues are adhered too. The property owner/management should and, if had any amount of professionalism, would address any violations with management as I addressed above.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Wavery on March 01, 2013, 10:01:16 AM

As a Landlord of property, I would not have approached the RV. The legal responsibility is with "Walmart" and not with the RV. Regardless of the Local ordinance or conditions set forth in the lease agreement it the responsibilty of the Walmart management to assure those legal issues are adhered too. The property owner/management should and, if had any amount of professionalism, would address any violations with management as I addressed above.

This is exactly right. I am a professional (licensed) Property Manager in CA. I can tell you that I would NEVER even dream of approaching a customer of one of my lessees. The Property Manager's business is with the Lessee, not the Lessee's customer.

Having said that, if there is a local ordinance against something, placing a note on someone's vehicle may be construed as a common courtesy (I would consider it meddling). Doing it on your business card may be a different matter. If the receiver of the note took the business card/note into the business, the business could well have a grievance against the Management Co.

Since when does Walmart Lease property from an outside Management Co? My understanding is that Walmart Corp buys property (as part of their business plan) and Leases the land back to the individual stores. That may not be ALL stores but I just can't envision Walmart Leasing property from an outside source that they can't control.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: dominique21 on March 02, 2013, 09:22:39 AM

So my daughter and I are sitting at Walmart in rose dale Cali where we were told we could overnight no problem. We stepped out of rv to check something and a business card was laying on the ground. Since I hate litter I picked it up and it was a business card from property manager stating on back "no overnight parking per city ordinance, thx bob". No knock or anything. We are lucky to have found card.

I'm not sure of the confusion. The business card said you couldn't camp there not overnight. You yourself said your still there and hilariously not planning in leaving for a few hours even after being warned by the city ordinanceEdit: Removed white space.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: parmm on March 07, 2013, 01:17:13 PM

I'm not sure of the confusion. The business card said you couldn't camp there not overnight. You yourself said your still there and hilariously not planning in leaving for a few hours even after being warned by the city ordinance.

In all reality, the OP found the business card on the ground. Nothing saying it was pointed at here. Could have been on a tractor trailer and the driver threw it away, and the wind blew it over to here RV. Commercial trucks is usually where these parking ordinances are pointed at anyway. If I were to leave a business card on anyones vehicle , I'd be sure to stick it under the windshield wiper or slide it into the door opening above the handle where it could be seen. But I've seen lots of people drive away from a parking lot with something stuck under a wiper, and who knows where it blows off at.Edit: Removed 'white space' in quote.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Rancher Will on March 07, 2013, 04:19:14 PM

From titme to time over the years, as recently as three months ago in Westminster, Colorado in the 136th Ave store, we have stayed overnight in a Walmart Parking lot. We always contact the Customer Service desk in the Walmart Store to get permission.

In those instances where we are told that there is a city ordinance (actually few places) we have been told that the ordinance does not prohibit parking for shopping. I have been told numerous times by the Walmart person to merely state that we have parked to shop in the store, if contacted by police or told that there is no overnight parking. Apparently the city ordinances cannot specify how long anyone can park to go shopping, even overnight. In fact, I have been told that if there is a problem to refer the police, or city enforcer to the store manager.

We do shop in the store every time we park in a Walmart Parking Lot and have never been told to leave.

Title: Re: Strange way to get kicked out of Walmart parking lot
Post by: Rancher Will on March 07, 2013, 04:23:05 PM

I forgot to mention above that there have a few Walmart Stores that do not have room for RV or semi truck parking. Those are usually obvious anytime we pull into the lot. In those cases we have been politely told that we should not park there since there is not enough room. We can plainly see the truth of this when it happened.

In those few cases we have even been referred to other nearby parking that is available.